Rule 3745-570-31 | Handling and storage of infectious waste.
(A) Any person handling infectious waste or containers utilized for the handling or storage of infectious waste shall manage the waste and containers in a manner that ensures the following:
(1) The integrity of all containers is maintained.
(2) Infectious waste neither escapes nor is expelled from the container.
(3) Infectious waste is maintained in a nonputrescent state, using refrigeration or freezing when necessary.
(4) Infectious waste that becomes putrescent is immediately refrigerated or frozen and is treated and disposed of as soon as possible regardless of any storage timeframe.
(5) Neither the infectious waste nor the containers provide a breeding place or a food source for birds, insects, rodents, or other vectors.
(B) No person shall store infectious waste in rental self-storage units.
(C) Any person storing infectious waste shall manage infectious waste handling areas in a manner that ensures the following:
(1) Indoor storage has visible signage posted at all points of access displaying the international biohazard symbol.
(2) All points of access for outside storage, including trucks or trailers, are locked to prevent unauthorized access and have visible signage displaying the international biohazard symbol.
(3) If a truck or trailer is used for storage of infectious waste, the truck or trailer is equipped in such a manner as to prevent the spillage of infectious waste and liquids.
(4) For a large generator, infectious waste is stored only at locations listed on the registration certificate.
(5) For an infectious waste treatment facility, infectious waste is stored only at the licensed facility.
(D) Any person intending to reuse a primary or secondary container shall ensure the container is as follows:
(1) Constructed of non-porous material.
(2) Empty of infectious waste.
(3) Thoroughly cleaned with a detergent and sufficient agitation or pressure to remove visible contamination from surfaces and then disinfected after each use with one of the following:
(a) A U.S. EPA registered hospital disinfectant that is also tuberculocidal for a contact time as specified by the manufacturer.
(b) Water at a temperature of at least one hundred eighty degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum contact time of fifteen seconds.
(E) Any person intending to recycle secondary containers consisting of corrugated cardboard or other recyclable material shall ensure that the containers have not been exposed to untreated infectious waste and display no staining or other signs of spillage of untreated infectious waste.
(F) Additional requirements for infectious waste treatment facilities. In addition to the requirements contained in paragraphs (A) to (D) of this rule, the owner or operator of an infectious waste treatment facility shall do the following:
(1) Store untreated infectious waste as follows:
(a) For no more than fourteen days.
(b) In quantities that do not exceed seven times the infectious waste treatment facility's total maximum daily throughput capacity.
(2) If at any time the owner or operator does not meet paragraph (F)(1)(a) or (F)(1)(b) of this rule, immediately implement the contingency plan specified in rule 3745-570-200 of the Administrative Code and notify on the same or next business day the appropriate health district and Ohio EPA district office of the implementation of the contingency plan.
Last updated April 7, 2025 at 8:02 AM
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